On August 11th band leader Seleno Clarke talked about his 40+ years in the music business. After learning to play the piano as a child, he switched to the saxophone as a teen. In the 60s he played tenor sax in the various clubs in the Harlem loop (including the Apollo) as well as downtown. Clarke and Kenny Dorham were two of the last artists to play the famous Harlem club Minton's Playhouse. But when he heard the hard swinging of Hammond B3 organ masters such as Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff, he said, “I’ve got to play that!”

One of the living standard-bearers of the 400 pound organ, Clarke spent time explaining his approach as a band leader, which can be described as stern yet welcoming to young musicians learning the art and craft of jazz. Clarke emphasized his commitment to “giving back” to the place so important to his career, Harlem. That’s why every week he can be seen live at Perk’s (Tuesday’s) and at the American Legion Hall (Sunday’s). His latest recordings were performed live at the Harlem club Smoke.